Every summer as a child, August was devoted to family vacations. My family packed everything into their blue station wagon, heading off to Maine for 3-4 weeks. This meant long car rides, anywhere between 6-9 hours depending upon traffic. Over the years, Dick Clark and then Casey Kasem would pass the time by listening to the radio playing America’s Top 40 songs of the week.
Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our Potter, and we all are the work of Your hand, Isaiah 64:8.
Beginning with their debut album in 1995, listening to Jars of Clay reminds me of those summer car rides listening to music all day long. Jars of Clay’s second album, Much Afraid combines soft rock with upbeat inspirational music. Due to their popularity, Jars of Clay crossed over to reach secular audiences in their later years. If you like top 40 music, you’ll enjoy listening to Jars of Clay this week.
Groaning is often associated with a deep inarticulate sound conveying pain and despair. However, biblical groaning conveys the idea of deep and earnest emotion, John 11:33. Scholars refer to this as a sign of mental distress. Yet, in the passage below, this groaning are the prayers of the Israelites lifted up to God during the 400 years of slavery in Egypt. These groans were heard by the Lord.
I have also heard the groaning of the Israelites whom the Egyptians have enslaved; and I have [earnestly] remembered My covenant [with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob], Exodus 6:5.
In the final days of Israel’s 400 years living as slaves in Egypt, they reached their breaking point. When Pharaoh decided to no longer provide hay for workers and still expected the same quota of daily production, groaning lifted up to the God Most High. Despite the lack of improvement and progress seen by these oppressed people, the Lord heard their cries for help.
Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working], James 5:16.
The earthly brother of Jesus provides a helpful tip for modern-day groaning. According to James, false steps, mistakes and offenses should be immediately confessed publicly. Similar to programs available for addicts, the sooner you realize you have a problem, the quicker you will receive the help that you need. As the world continues to fall apart, may today’s groanings in prayer be heard and answered by the Great I Am.
When I was younger, I made the mistake of assuming that church leaders had everything in their life under control. If you’re a member of the Bible’s Hall of Faith, your body of work over the course of your life would reflect this accomplishment. Yet, in an obscure passage at the end of Exodus 4, Moses’ marital problems comes to the surface. When their son reached the age to be circumcised, Zipporah refused to let this happen. Subsequently, Moses nearly dies due to his disobedience.
[Aroused] by faith Moses, when he had grown to maturity and[f]become great, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 Because he preferred to share the oppression [suffer the hardships] and bear the shame of the people of God rather than to have the fleeting enjoyment of a sinful life. 26 He considered the contempt and abuse and shame [borne for] the Christ (the Messiah Who was to come) to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt, for he looked forward and away to the reward (recompense). 27 [Motivated] by faith he left Egypt behind him, being unawed and undismayed by the wrath of the king; for he never flinched but held staunchly to his purpose and endured steadfastly as one who gazed on Him Who is invisible, Hebrews 11:24-27.
As a former high school teacher, my students experienced way too many divorces and separations. Just because you claim to be a Christian doesn’t exempt you from marital issues. One of the initial signs of marital problems is heated arguments in public. As roots of bitterness stored up within souls come to the surface, emotional blow ups often follow. This is what happened to Zipporah who was vehemently against the practice of circumcision.
Along the way at a [resting-] place, the Lord met [Moses] and sought to kill him [made him acutely and almost fatally ill]. 25 [Now apparently he had [b]failed to circumcise one of his sons, his wife being opposed to it; but seeing his life in such danger] Zipporah took a flint knife and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it to touch [Moses’] feet, and said, Surely a husband of blood you are to me! 26 When He let [Moses] alone [to recover], Zipporah said, A husband of blood are you because of the circumcision, Exodus 4:24-26.
Unfortunately, Moses decided to please his wife rather than the Lord, Galatians 1:10. Apparently, this decision made God jealous and upset. God was so disappointed by Moses’ lack of spiritual leadership that He sought to take Moses’ life. Based upon the subtle hints in the passage above, God appeared to Zipporah with only one option to save Moses’ life. While she eventually went through with this circumcision, Zipporah was afflicted with a deep soul spirit wound. May this passage inspire couples to work on their differences in private so that public scenes are limited in the future.
What if you were given a present for Christmas, but you were told you had to wait until next year before you could open it? Directions allowed you to hold this gift and bring this with you if you traveled, but you couldn’t open this gift under any circumstances. This is essentially what happened to Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. You can marry Mary, but you won’t be able to consecrate your marriage until Jesus is born.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place under these circumstances: When His mother Mary had been promised in marriage to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be pregnant [through the power] of the Holy Spirit. 19 And her [promised] husband Joseph, being a just and upright man and not willing to expose her publicly and to shame and disgrace her, decided to repudiate and dismiss (divorce) her quietly and secretly, Matthew 1:18-19.
According to Jewish law, Joseph could have Mary stoned for committing adultery. Rather than ending Mary’s life and making a scene, Joseph decided to move forward with a divorce in private. However, one night while Joseph was asleep, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The lesson that God was trying to teach Joseph is imagine what God can do in your life through one moment of obedience because of this dream.
But as he was thinking this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary [as] your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of (from, out of) the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from [a]failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God]. 22 All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet, 23 Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel—which, when translated, means, God with us. 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from his sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him: he took [her to his side as] his wife. 25 But he had no union with her as her husband until she had borne her firstborn Son; and he called His name Jesus, Matthew 1:20-25.
From a human perspective, it’s nearly impossible to fully understand how God can work through one moment of obedience. Thanks to instant gratification, often by using credit cards to get what you want now, waiting for God’s blessings has become a lost art. Yet, when you cling to God’s promise like Joseph in this dream, blessings will come in various forms. In view of Joseph’s act of faith, don’t cut corners this Christmas season. Rather, hold fast to faith by being open to God’s calls for daily obedience in life.
A mouthpiece is a part of something that is pieced between or near your lips. Two common mouthpieces are found on a trumpet and telephone. Yet, in recent years, becoming a mouthpiece has a negative connotation, often in the context of politics. Rather than being a free and independent thinker, mouthpieces communicate the beliefs, values and worldviews of a specific group or party.
And Moses said to the Lord, O Lord, I am not eloquent or a man of words, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and have a heavy and awkward tongue. 11 And the Lord said to him, Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the dumb, or the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and will teach you what you shall say. 13 And he said, Oh, my Lord, I pray You, send by the hand of [some other] whom You will [send], Exodus 4:10-13.
In the passage above, Moses is introduced to God’s will for his life. The Lord wants Moses to be the mouthpiece for Israel. Part of Moses’ responsibilities includes confronting Pharoah, king of Egypt on behalf of the elders of Israel. Apparently, Moses either has a fear of public speaking or was born with some sort of a speech impediment, resulting in stammering and stuttering when nervous.
And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. 25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit [g]we have our life in God, let us go forward [h]walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] 26 Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another, Galatians 5:24-26.
From a New Testament perspective, becoming a mouthpiece for God requires the ability to keep in step with the Holy Spirit. When the world attempts to overwhelm you, Galatians 5:16-18, God calls Christians to put on acts of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23. This isn’t easy, especially when God turns up the heat, 1 Peter 1:6-7. Therefore, as you take the good with the bad, James 1:2-4, don’t forget to be a mouthpiece for the Holy Spirit.
In this age of a lack of accountability and passing the blame, sometimes in life it’s important to be reminded of God’s nature. As the Lord was laying out God’s will for his life, Moses began to second guess God’s power and strength. Subsequently, God provides a simple lesson into His nature. This lesson starts with the basics: the source of hearing, seeing and wisdom.
And Moses said to the Lord, O Lord, I am not eloquent or a man of words, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and have a heavy and awkward tongue. 11 And the Lord said to him, Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the dumb, or the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and will teach you what you shall say, Exodus 4:10-12.
Like a parent reprimanding a disobedient child, the Lord reminds Moses of the nature of God. Similar to the rant of Job in the wake of the trials he endured, God turns to His Creator 101 class. “Didn’t I create and give you a mouth? Don’t you realize that I possess the power to make the dumb wise and stutters speak clearly?”
For God’s [holy] wrath and indignation are revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who in their wickedness repress and hinder the truth and make it inoperative. 19 For that which is known about God is evident to them and made plain in their inner consciousness, because God [Himself] has shown it to them. 20 For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification], Romans 1:18-20.
In a first century letter to the Church of Rome, the apostle Paul points that the invisible qualities of God’s nature. While Paul doesn’t directly mention a rainbow or sunrise, these attributes are visible to those who take to time to be still, Psalm 46:10. As Americans transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas, may your eyes and mind be open to the nature of God this holiday season.
The apostle Paul dedicates an entire chapter of the Bible to highlight God’s agape love, 1 Corinthians 13. Yet, the author of one New Testament book suggests that discipline is also a sign of love, Hebrews 12:4-6. As God was preparing Moses to become the mouthpiece for Israel, he rejects God’s initial call, coming up with an excuse to avoid this responsibility. According to Moses’ own words, this is when God went off.
And Moses said to the Lord, O Lord, I am not eloquent or a man of words, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and have a heavy and awkward tongue. 11 And the Lord said to him, Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the dumb, or the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and will teach you what you shall say. 13 And he said, Oh, my Lord, I pray You, send by the hand of [some other] whom You will [send]. 14 Then the anger of the Lord blazed against Moses; He said, Is there not Aaron your brother, the Levite? I know he can speak well. Also, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be overjoyed, Exodus 4:10-14.
According to the author of Hebrews, God disciplines those who He loves, Hebrews 12:5-6. When you focus on this aspect of love, those who let you do whatever you want as a child aren’t necessarily concerned about your long-term well-being. This is what King Solomon means about training a child in the way that they should go, Proverbs 22:6.
Therefore let us go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings and doctrine of Christ (the Messiah), advancing steadily toward the completeness and perfection that belong to spiritual maturity. Let us not again be laying the foundation of repentance and abandonment of dead works (dead formalism) and of the faith [by which you turned] to God, 2 With teachings about purifying, the laying on of hands, the resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment and punishment. [These are all matters of which you should have been fully aware long, long ago.] 3 If indeed God permits, we will [now] proceed [to advanced teaching]. 4 For it is impossible [to restore and bring again to repentance] those who have been once for all enlightened, who have consciously tasted the heavenly gift and have become sharers of the Holy Spirit, 5 And have felt how good the Word of God is and the mighty powers of the age and world to come, 6 If they then deviate from the faith and turn away from their allegiance—[it is impossible] to bring them back to repentance, for (because, while, as long as) they nail upon the cross the Son of God afresh [as far as they are concerned] and are holding [Him] up to contempt and shame and public disgrace, Hebrews 6:1-6.
Another reason that might cause the Lord to go off is when a mature Christian regresses by showing behaviors of their former sinful way of life. The illustration above points to a lukewarm believer who has decided pray for forgiving just prior to indulging into sin once again. Touch love may require intervention so that an addict will be coached back to good health and victory in Christ.
Since attending Junior High, music has always been a resource for me. Whenever I needed comfort, encouragement, hope, inspiration or motivation, I would play a song that provided just what I needed to hear. During today’s sermon at Fearless Church, today’s theme popped into my head. When I first moved to Delaware in Elementary School, I began having nightmares about dying. One of these reoccurring dreams led me to contemplate the meaning of life. Years later, the song When You Die by the Kry became my first life song to get me through this initial crossroad in life.
For whoever wants to save his [[r]higher, spiritual, eternal] life, will lose it [the [s]lower, natural, temporal life [t]which is lived only on earth]; and whoever gives up his life [which is lived only on earth] for My sake and the Gospel’s will save it [his [u]higher, spiritual life [v]in the eternal kingdom of God]. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life [[w]in the eternal kingdom of God]? 37 For what can a man give as an exchange ([x]a compensation, a ransom, in return) for his [blessed] life [[y]in the eternal kingdom of God]? – Mark 8:35-37
In my second year of high school, I experienced a nervous breakdown. After receiving several invites to attend a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible Study by my Science Teacher and future swim coach, I finally went. Like the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, I came to my spiritual senses. In the years that followed, Ken Horne became my spiritual mentor. Through this monthly Bible Study, attending conferences and retreat, I was introduced to the Benny Hester song, When God Ran. As a former cross-country runner, these lyrics spoke to my heart at the perfect time.
Then when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have enough food, and [even food] to spare, but I am perishing (dying) here of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] make me like one of your hired servants. 20 So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [[j]fervently], Luke 15:17-20.
My final crossroad that I had to overcome as a young adult was the fear of public speaking. When you’re born with a severe speech impediment in the form of stuttering, this battle took nearly 20 years to conquer. While serving as a college team member on a Lay Witness Mission for a Methodist Church in Friendship, Maryland, Ken thought I was ready to share Sunday’s sermon to culminate this weekend. Thanks to the song Feel the Nails by Ray Boltz, when I got up, the Holy Spirit spoke through me. At the end of this message I called, Stop Playing Games with God, I played the attached song. As I began to bow my head in prayer, students hurried to the altar. Feel the Nails is one of the life songs that altered my life and led me to become a high school Bible Teacher.
I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me, Galatians 2:20.
As you make room in your life this Christmas season, contemplate your own life songs. When you feel your faith slide sliding away from God, lean on these songs to bring you back. When the storms in your life subside, the anchor of faith will hold and sustain you.
Today’s featured band was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2010. Despite numerous top songs and albums, White Heart never received a Grammy or won a Dove Award. Nonetheless, White Heart’s debut in 1982, 13 albums and their sound gives off vibes of Whitesnake as well as that classic rock and roll of the 1980’s.
And when you spread forth your hands [in prayer, imploring help], I will hide My eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood! 16 Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes! Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do right! Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool, Isaiah 1:15-18.
Due to the limited access to Christian Rock music as a teenager, I never discovered White Heart until college. While the Powerhouse album is the first cassette I purchased, the song Invitation drew me toward White Heart’s music. If you’re a big fan of rock music from the 1980’s, I think you’ll enjoy listening to White Heart this week.
You’ll never know when the Lord has a message for you. This could be while you’re driving, watching a movie, talking a walk or half asleep in bed. The only problem about knowing this is the Lord speaking is one’s ability to discern and hear an invisible God. Like Amber Tamblyn’s role playing Joan Giradi in Joan of Arcadia, if you tell anyone that God is talking to you, others will think you’re crazy.
The Lord said to Moses in Midian, Go back to Egypt; for all the men who were seeking your life [for killing the Egyptian] are dead. 20 And Moses took his wife and his sons and set them on donkeys, and he returned to the land of Egypt; and Moses took the rod of God in his hand, Exodus 4:19-20.
After fleeing Egypt, Moses remained in Midian for an extended period of time. Besides getting married, Moses was hired by his father-in-law Jethro to oversee his growing herd. Moses spent several years living as a foreigner in a strange land until the Lord spoke to him. While this initial introduction via a flame within a bush seemed odd, Moses learned to hear and discern God’s voice.
I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now. 13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future], John 6:12-13.
Prior to his death, resurrection and ascension into heaven, Jesus introduced what one of his disciples calls the Spirit of Truth. In the age of the New Testament, 2000 years later, the Holy Spirit serves as a mediator between God and human beings. When the Lord speaks to you today in a variety of ways, rely on this spiritual counselor for understanding. Pray that God will give you ears to hear daily so the next time the Lord speaks, you’ll be ready to listen.
ExpressYourself4Him 